Description
A vibrant and tangy Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad featuring curly kale massaged with sea salt, topped with crunchy croutons, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing made with olive oil and black pepper. This salad is quick to prepare, perfect for a refreshing side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 bunches curly kale
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Remove and discard the stems from the kale, then wash the leaves thoroughly with water and place them in a large bowl.
- Massage the kale: Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt to the kale and use your hands to massage it until the leaves soften, about 2 minutes.
- Add croutons: Chop or crush the croutons finely, then add them to the bowl with the kale.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, crushed or minced garlic, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the kale and croutons, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for maximum freshness, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is key to soften the tough leaves and reduce bitterness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Crushing the croutons helps distribute their crunch more evenly throughout the salad.
- The salad can be kept refrigerated for a couple of days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust garlic amount according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
